The Valencian Community is an autonomous region located on the east coast of Spain. Boasting over 500 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, its land mass is generally the same as that of the historic Kingdom of Valencia. It came into existence during the 13th century with the re-conquest of the region from the Moors. The climate varies as you travel from north to south and inland from the coastal plain to higher elevations. The summers are hot and the winters are mild with the exception of the mountains where winter temperatures drop well below freezing. The best time to visit the area is late spring and early autumn.
Visitors to the Land of Valencia can tour many historical sites reflecting more than 7,000 years of habitation. The first arrivals were hunter gatherers, but as time passed the region became home to Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Visigoths before being conquered by the Moors. You can see the archeological ruins of Lucentum and the Castle in Morella. You can tour the Old Quarter of Castellon de la Plana, the Castle of Santa Barbara, the site of Bronze Age artifacts and the Quart Towers in the city of Valencia, the capital of the region.
As you travel through the countryside, sample the local cuisine. These include traditional rice-based dishes, such as arros negre, arros a la banda and the world-famous paella. Try the local drink orxata, a beverage made from ground almonds, barley and rice. This original Valencian drink is highly regulated to ensure its quality. The village of Alboraya is renowned for the high quality beverage that it produces. When traveling through the municipality of Xixona, be sure to taste the famous turron, or soft nougat, that originated in this area. It is now widely consumed throughout the Spanish-speaking world, especially during Christmas.
After several days of sightseeing and dining, relax on one of the areas fine beaches. You will find wonderful sand and surf in Denia, Gandia and Valencia. There is soft sand, warm turquoise water and a myriad of water sports and recreational activities. You can swim, windsurf and jet ski. Several beaches have won the European Blue Flag for cleanliness. Many are located near nature parks with walking trails and bike paths for exploring the local flora and fauna.
There is a world of wonder and excitement awaiting you in the Valencian Autonomous Region and the Costa Blanca.
